Our Blog

Remortgaging might not sound exciting—but it could be one of the smartest financial moves you make this year.

Whether your current mortgage deal is ending, your circumstances have changed, or you're simply looking to save money, remortgaging gives you the opportunity to review your options—and potentially cut hundreds (or even thousands) off your annual repayments.

So how does it all work? And why should you use a mortgage broker to help? Let’s break it down.

When was the last time you reviewed your home contents insurance?

If you own valuable items like an engagement ring, a piece of artwork, or a musical instrument, there’s a good chance your standard home insurance policy might not fully cover them.

Here’s what you need to know about high-risk items, why they matter, and how to make sure you’re properly protected.

When you're buying a home, your focus is usually on rates, repayments, and the keys in your hand. But what happens after you move in—if life takes an unexpected turn?

That’s where Mortgage Protection comes in.

In this blog, we’ll break down what mortgage protection is, what types are available, and why it’s one of the smartest (and kindest) financial decisions you can make for your loved ones.

It’s one of the questions we get asked most often:
“Can I still get a mortgage while on maternity leave?”

And the good news is—yes, you absolutely can.
But as with most things in the mortgage world, there are a few important details to understand first.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or already deep in the world of nappies and night feeds, here’s what you need to know about applying for a mortgage while on maternity or shared parental leave.

Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial milestones you'll ever reach—and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving home, or coming off a fixed rate, these five practical tips will help you improve your chances of mortgage approval—and may even help you unlock better rates.

If you're self-employed, a freelancer, run your own business, or are a company director, protecting your income and liability isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

That’s where business insurance comes in.

It’s not just for “big” businesses or those with offices and employees. Even if it’s just you and a laptop, having the right protection in place can save your future self a lot of stress and expense.

Here’s what you need to know.

If you're thinking of switching mortgage deals or making a large overpayment on your loan, you may come across something called an Early Repayment Charge (ERC). These charges can catch many homeowners off guard and cost a significant amount of money—unless you know what to look out for.

In this post, we’ll break down what ERCs are, when they apply, how they’re calculated, and—most importantly—how to avoid them where possible.

What is an Early Repayment Charge?

An Early Repayment Charge (ERC) is a fee your mortgage lender may charge if you:

• Pay off your mortgage in full before the end of your deal term
• Remortgage to a new lender before your deal ends
• Overpay more than your allowed limit in a year

ERCs are designed to compensate lenders for the interest they lose when a mortgage is paid off early—especially during fixed-rate or tracker periods where you've agreed to borrow at a specific rate for a set number of years.

When Do ERCs Apply?

ERCs usually apply during the initial deal period of your mortgage—commonly a 2-, 3-, or 5-year fixed or tracker term. If you move to a new lender, switch deals, or repay your loan early during this time, your lender may charge you an ERC.

Always check your mortgage documents or speak to your broker to confirm when your current deal ends and whether ERCs apply.

How Are ERCs Calculated?

ERCs are typically calculated as a percentage of the outstanding mortgage balance. The exact percentage depends on your lender and how early in your deal you exit.

Here’s an example:

If you owe £200,000 and your ERC is 2%, you'd pay a £4,000 fee.

Some lenders use a sliding scale—meaning the percentage decreases the further into your deal you are.

Why Do Lenders Charge ERCs?

When you take out a fixed or tracker mortgage, the lender plans their finances based on you sticking with that deal for a certain period. If you leave early, the lender may lose money—ERCs are their way of recovering that cost.

Can You Avoid Paying an ERC?

Yes—in some cases. Here’s how:

✅ Time your switch carefully. Wait until your deal ends to remortgage or pay off your loan. Most lenders allow you to start a new application a few months early (commonly 3–6 months) to avoid overlap.

✅ Use your annual overpayment allowance. Most lenders let you overpay up to 10% of your balance each year without penalty.

✅ Port your mortgage. If you’re moving house, some lenders let you port your deal to the new property and avoid ERCs (more on that in our porting blog!).

✅ Speak to a broker. We’ll help you weigh up whether it’s worth paying the ERC—or if a better deal could save you more in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Always Check Before You Act

ERCs aren’t always avoidable—but understanding them can help you plan better, save money, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Whether you're thinking of moving, remortgaging, or overpaying, make sure you know where you stand. And remember, the right mortgage advice can save you thousands.

📲 Need help working out if an ERC applies—or if paying it makes financial sense?
Get in touch with us today for straightforward, no-obligation advice.

If you’re thinking about moving house but still have time left on your current mortgage deal, you might have heard the term “porting your mortgage.” But what does that actually mean—and is it the right move for you?

Here’s everything you need to know about mortgage porting, including how it works, the pros and cons, and why speaking to a broker can make the whole process much easier.

What Is Porting a Mortgage?

Porting a mortgage simply means transferring your existing mortgage deal (including your interest rate and lender) from your current property to a new one. Essentially, you're taking your mortgage with you when you move.

It sounds simple—and in many cases, it can be—but there are a few important things to consider.

Why Do People Port Their Mortgage?

Porting is often a popular option for people who are:
✅ On a competitive fixed or tracker rate they want to keep
✅ Facing Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) if they end their deal early
✅ Looking to move before their mortgage term is up

By porting your mortgage, you can hold onto a good rate and avoid additional fees—what’s not to like?

How Does It Work?

Even though you’re staying with the same lender, you’ll still need to apply to port your mortgage. Here’s what typically happens:

1. You apply for permission to port.
2. Your lender reassesses your affordability for the new property—just like a standard mortgage application.
3. The new property is valued, and your lender ensures it meets their lending criteria.
4. If approved, your mortgage deal moves with you.

If your new home is more expensive than your current one, you may need a top-up mortgage for the difference—this might come with a different interest rate.

Things to Watch Out For

While porting can be a great option, it’s not always the best choice. Keep in mind:

• Not all mortgages are portable—check your deal's terms.
• You’ll still go through the full affordability and credit checks.
• If you're borrowing more, the additional amount may be on a higher rate.
• You could miss out on better deals by not exploring the wider market.

Should You Port or Look for a New Deal?

This really depends on your circumstances—how much you’re borrowing, your current deal, and what’s available on the market.

Sometimes, paying an Early Repayment Charge to access a more competitive deal actually saves money long-term. Other times, porting is the most efficient way forward.

Why Speak to a Mortgage Broker?

Porting your mortgage might sound straightforward—but it can quickly become complicated. That’s where we come in.

At go2mortgages, we’ll help you:

• Understand if your mortgage is portable
• Deal with the paperwork and lender conversations
• Compare whether porting or remortgaging is better for you
• Save time, stress, and potentially a lot of money

📲 Thinking of moving home? Don’t make any decisions until you’ve spoken to a broker. We’re here to help you move smart, not just move fast.

Ready to chat?
Get in touch with our team today and we’ll help you figure out the best next step—whether that’s porting your mortgage or exploring a brand-new deal.

When you’re the primary earner or one of the major contributors to your family’s income, the thought of an unexpected illness, injury, or even taking maternity or paternity leave without enough income can feel daunting. That’s where income protection comes in—a type of insurance designed to provide a regular income if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or, in some policies, specific family-related absences. Let’s dive into how it works, why it’s crucial, and how it can be a lifeline for parents.

When it comes to financial planning, preparing for the unexpected is one of the most responsible steps any family can take. Critical illness cover is one form of insurance that helps protect families in case of sudden, serious health issues. This type of cover provides a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying illness, which can be a financial lifeline for families navigating serious health challenges. Here, we’ll look at how critical illness cover offers essential benefits, especially for parents.